Relay for Life event raises nearly $37,000
Clintonville-Marion Relay for Life participants surpassed their yearly fundraising goal of $33,500.00 and so far have $36,683.67 in the coffers for the American Cancer Society.
The event started at 7 p.m. Friday evening with a ceremony around the shelter at Olin Park. A Boy Scout Color Guard presented the American Flag and Clintonville High School's Emily Knowlton sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Pastor Crocker commented prior to a prayer that he saw an awful lot of courage and determination of human spirit in the people there. He asked that the Lord teach us to number our days and give us wisdom to use them well.
"We had 43 Survivors attend this year, up 10 from last year," reported Shirlie Hogston, event coordinator. She and fellow survivors walked the tree-lined pathway of Olin Park, stringing out behind four shiny convertibles that other survivors rode in to kick off the event. Fay Keller drove her '51 Packard with Pamela Toppel, a five year survivor of cervical cancer and Andy Gleisner, a seven year prostate cancer survivor. Ken Bowers of Clintonville said he was a 28 year survivor of testicular cancer.
Survivors wore purple shirts proudly and Hogston reflected that they were here to raise money for the cause, but also to celebrate another year of birthdays. Shirlie's final plea to the crowd was to "Hug something Purple" before they went home.
Throughout the evening, walkers could hear the music of DJ Holden Flaig playing as they enjoyed light-hearted competitions. The lap schedule had silly themes, including ugly shirt, PJ's, Hawaiian shirt, crazy hair, and more. On the path several groups of teens wearing themed outfits were enjoying their time. During the Relay Idol competition, several team members wore floor length gowns to impress the crowd, singing songs to inspire donations. Guitars were in good supply, and Elvis even made an appearance in his Vegas white costume. Here's a run down of 2010 winners:
Team Laps: Diemel Trucking 494
Adult Laps: Pam Figlinski, Mike Boldt, Teri Diemel 53 each
Child Laps: Abrey Netzel 73
Best Snack: Diemel Trucking/Chocolate Rice Kripsy Roll
Camp Site: Murphy Family
Relay Idols: Diemel Trucking Gals $150
Individual Top Fund Raiser: Sharon Brauer $3,300
Second Highest Individual Fund Raiser: Ut Gleisner 1,610
Top Fund Raising Team: Premier Community Bank 14,114.34.
The evening grew dark and the luminaria ceremony started with accapella singing by the Christianson family and speaker Ann VanGrinsvin shared her survivor story. She is a three year breast cancer survivor. She said her mastectomy was a small price to pay for getting rid of the enemy. "If I hadn't made self-examination part of my health care regimen, my small cancer would not have been discovered. Early detection is key." She added that a good sense of humor and great friends got her through the tough times. "Cancer didn't stop me, don't let it stop you."
Shirlie Hogston, who hasn't let cancer stop her or even slow her up, said she was proud of the Clintonville and Marion people who formed teams and made a difference in the community. "These people have been touched by cancer, not just survivors, but family and friends. They want to help and they are making a difference."
Collections for the Clintonville-Marion Relay will continue through August 31 and the final amount raised will be published in the County Post East.
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